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1. What is a conflict of interest?

Generally, a conflict of interest refers to a matter in which a public employee's private interests conflict or appear to conflict with his public duties or responsibilities.

2. Who is a public employee?

A public employee generally is any elected or appointed state, county or municipal employee, whether serving full-time or part-time, and whether paid or unpaid.

For more information, view our Ethics Commission page.

3. Are consultants or vendors hired by state, county or municipal agencies public employees subject to the conflict of interest law?

Yes, in certain circumstances. The Ethics Commission will consider several factors in determining whether any company employees who are providing services to a governmental agency under the company's contract should be considered public employees subject to the conflict of interest law.

For more information, contact the Town Clerk at 508-476-4000, ext. 355

4. Where can I get advice if I believe something I might do is subject to restrictions or prohibitions imposed by the conflict of interest law?

The Commission's Legal Division provides free, confidential advice to anyone subject to the conflict of interest law. Advice also may be sought from your town counsel, city solicitor or agency counsel. To obtain advice from the State Ethics Commission Commission, call 617-371-9500 or 888-485-4766.

5. When should I seek advice from the Commission's Legal Division?

You should seek advice as soon as you become aware of a potential conflict of interest that might occur in the future. You cannot seek advice about the conduct of someone other than yourself unless you are the individual's authorized representative, such as his or her attorney.

The Legal Division generally will not provide advice about hypothetical situations or speculative circumstances and will not provide advice if the conduct has already occurred. The review of past conduct situations falls under the jurisdiction of the Commission's Enforcement Division.

6. When will my request for advice be answered?

In most cases, telephone requests for advice are handled the day the call is received by the "Attorney of the Day." Occasionally, the attorney may need additional time or additional information before advice can be given.

7. If I believe someone has violated the conflict of interest law, how do I file a complaint? Is there a form?

If you believe someone has violated the conflict of interest law, you can file a complaint with the State Ethics Commission. Learn more on the Ethics Commission page.

8. What happens once I make a complaint?

The Enforcement Division reviews the complaint to determine whether it warrants additional investigation. Complaints about conduct that is outside the Commission's jurisdiction or beyond the Commission's statute of limitations are closed with no further action.

Fore more information, visit our Ethics Commission page.

9. How long does the process take?

This process varies with every case. Depending on the complexity of the facts or alleged violations, complaints can be resolved anywhere from several weeks to several years.

10. If a complaint is filed against me, can I get a copy of it?

No, by law, the Commission's investigation and any related documents are confidential and are not public records. For more information, visit the State Ethics Commission page.

11. If a complaint is filed against me, can I learn who filed the complaint?

No, the Commission's statute and regulations require that complainant identities be kept confidential. For more information, visit the State Ethics Commission page.